One of the more recent joys of parenthood has come with my daughter and me reading the same stories. Sometimes, she’ll recommend something to me. Sometimes, I’ll find something in our local library that she might like that I will read before her. As we fall into spooky season territory, it seems like a great time to mention a few of those tales that you, your kids, or both might enjoy.
As for an age reference, Adelaide is soon-to-be 12 years old (and in middle school – *mind explodes*), and she tends to lean towards spooky things which is somewhat similar to my younger years. So, if you or your kiddos are looking for Halloween-style graphic novels to dive into, let’s take a journey that will feature common creatures or things around the fall season.
Eerie Tales from the School of Screams
Cartoonist: Graham Annable
Publisher: First Second
Age Range: 8-12
Adelaide asked me to read Eerie Tales from the School of Screams and did so with an emphatic, “You have to read this, dad.” I LOVE when she pushes a story on me and I get to join her world with the things she loves. This is how I came to read and adore Frizzy, and I can be equally glad on a completely different level.
Graham Annable creates a classroom setting where a teacher is trying to get her students to tell scary stories. Some are eager, others are hesitant, and all of the stories being told are wonderfully crafted. I understood perfectly why my daughter really enjoyed this graphic novel. There were intriguing moments, such as wondering what happened to an entire town – from the buildings to its people.
Eerie Tales from the School of Screams is fun to read. There’s mystery and some “uh oh” moments that make you want to read more from this author, while also being glad your daughter was able to discover it first. There is a sense of magic when your kids discover stories they appreciate and then implore you to read as well. This story is a breeze to get through, and I think anyone who likes fun, haunting tales will dig this graphic novel.
Goblin
Writer: Eric Grissom
Artist: Will Perkins
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Age Range: 12+
One of two stories I handed to Adelaide from the library in the past couple weeks, where she gave a “thumbs up,” features the fantastical creature in its title, Goblin. This comic book follows a path of revenge after Rikt suffers the murderous loss of his parents from the hands of a barbaric man. Rikt is not only dealing with grief, but also understanding that everything doesn’t come easy. There are paths in life that require “cunning and patience,” which means he might not get what he wants immediately. As Rikt continues this arduous journey of vengeance, he soon learns to appreciate those he encounters and values the life ahead of him – and readers watch as Rikt matures in front of their eyes. This is a well-rounded story that gives us a character worth seeing again in future tales, while also highlighting wonderful lessons in life that aren’t always easy to articulate.
Grimoire Noir
Writer: Vera Greentea
Artist: Yana Bogatch
Publisher: First Second
Age Range: 12-16
Grimoire Noir is one of those graphic novels you pick up at the library, and you think will be okay for your pre-teen kid, but you want to read through it and make sure it’s not secretly hiding some viciously bloody sequences. (Oh my god, I just said pre-teen kid – where did the time go?!) Anyways, back on track. Grimoire Noir is a story that continues to build as you go along. You learn a little more with each page – what it means to be a witch or what certain characters have done in the past.
On top of that investigative-led story, the artwork by Yana Bogatch is stellar. There is such incredible definition to facial expressions and wonderful details in clothing and hair which makes the artwork quite vibrant despite the “noir” style, where color is singular with pops of color for specific situations or characters – brilliant!
Again, this is another “thumbs up” story from my daughter after telling her I thought she would like it – and she did. If finding fun, compelling stories becomes a thing that we do together, I am 100% there for it. If you or your kids want an intriguing tale where things aren’t always what they seem, and you investigate along with the main character, Grimoire Noir will be right up your alley.
Oh, the story revolves around Bucky trying to solve the mystery of his missing younger sister in a town where all of the girls are witches. Cool, right?!
Panya: The Mummy’s Curse (Based on Characters Created by Mike Mignola)
Writer: Chris Roberson
Artist: Christopher Mitten
Colorist: Michelle Madsen
Letterer: Clem Robins
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Age Range: 14+
Panya: The Mummy’s Curse provides an interesting look at ancient Egyptian lore, and the mystical nature behind light and dark forces. The main character grows up in a world where believing new or old ways is controversial, while her encounters with powerful forces guide her path in life.
Despite the age range, I do believe my daughter would be old enough to read this story. There are a few instances of bloodshed but no sequences I would consider frightening for her. This deep dive into ancient historical fiction is interesting, while providing monstrous creatures worthy of the spooky season. If you love any form of ancient history or lore, Panya: The Mummy’s Curse fills that wondering sense of learning and discovery.
The Cemetarians
Writer: Daniel Kraus
Artist: Maan House
Colorist: Kurt Michael Russell
Letterer: Jim Campbell
Publisher: Vault Comics
Let’s classify this comic book under “I’m not sure as a parent if my daughter is old enough for this story.” There are some horrifically bloody deaths in this horror comic, which is where my apprehension comes into play. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an inventive tale where bones start appearing in objects used every day of the week. From airplanes to snack food to wedding dresses, things are transforming to various parts of a skeleton, and, sometimes, that transformation is deadly.
The Cemetarians definitely provides a unique glimpse into a terrifying thought of living in a world where things start to transform into bones. How creepy and scary would that be to see? The creators behind this comic book will make you question wanting to wear the basic necessities because of the potential fallout from following an unquestionable routine. What happens if your hat turns into a skull or your dress into a rib cage? What about shoes, socks, or underwear? That’s a new kind of fear I would never have imagined until reading this story.
So, maybe I’m overreacting about not giving this comic book to my daughter – or maybe I’m doing exactly what I should be doing by waiting.
boo the season
But what spooky stories do you enjoy sharing with your kids? Has there been a comic book your kiddo declared a “must read” to you? What was it? Share your thoughts with the GPG over on Facebook and Twitter, and as always, don’t forget to share with all of your friends, please.
Until next time, friends, happy parenting and happy geeking.
